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Hey guys! I recently purchased a winchester model 1200 trench gun. Serial number 220269. Is this a “clone” someone made? Or is it the real deal? I thought i read trench guns serial numbers didn’t start until 390,000. Any info would be greatly appreciated 
My money would be on it being a “fantasy” made gun.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
It is NOT the real deal. Military contract Model 1200 trench guns have a “US” mark under the serial number as well as a “US” mark above the model designation on the barrel. Original receivers have a black anodized finish. The subject gun has been refinished as evidenced by the grey color of the receiver and the washed-out lettering of the barrel address. Also, the bayonet adaptor is the wrong type. And, it has the wrong bayonet adaptor screws and rear sling swivel screws.
Hi Justin
I agree with Bert and Tom D, the gun is what I call a “BITSA” Bits of This and That, but looks good with possibly rwal components.
Model 1200 # 220269 had the serial number stamped on 23rd August 1965, and is definitely 1965 production.
The Trench gun model was made from April 01, 1968 at # 418737 intermittantly to the last stamping # L574031, on December 08 1969, making it 1970 production.
I have tried to upload a photo of the Serial No L570293 and do not know if it has uploaded as it diasppeared when I hit “Upload Attachments”.
Keith
winchester nix said
The Trench gun model was made from April 01, 1968 at # 418737 intermittantly to the last stamping # L574031, on December 08 1969, making it 1970 production.
Keith,
I have data on trench gun number L574171 which is a slightly higher serial number than the one you mention as the last trench gun stamped (i.e., L574031).
Most interesting Tom D.
I have converted the Stamping Foreman’s notebook to Excel for ease of operation and Lookup.
The last entry is:
| YEAR | DATE | START No | END No | OP’ATOR | SERIAL No MODEL | |
| 1969 | Dec-08-69 | 574009 | 574508 | Frank | L574031 | TRENCH GUNS |
The first number is the first for the day and operator, and the second was the last one stamped by the operator. Frank was the Operator, and he marked that day’s stamping “TRENCH GUNS”, but then he put in the notes “L574031” which I interpreted as the last trench Gun. With your information, I now accept that the last gun made was L574508. Thank you.
I have noted that you also know a lot about Model 1200s. At the present I am having a problem with my email, but when I get it back would you share this information possibly to include it in the book I am almost finished (and include it in the data base).
I expect to be at Cody in July 2025. Perhaps we could meet up there.
Keith
Most of the into I have is on the military shotguns. Send me a message through this forum with an email address and we can then discuss and exchange info.
Hi Tom D
At considerable time for a GEEK over the past two days, my 30 year old email has been restored. [email protected]
Have a look at Research Surveys for the Winchester Model 1200 through to 2400 shotguns and you will see what I am about.
Cheers
Keith
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